Good books don't give up all their secrets at once. – Stephen King
Author: authoranthonyavinablog
Anthony Avina, (Born March 1990), is an author, a journalist, and a blogger. Born in Southern California, he has battled through injuries, disabilities, moves back and forth across the country, and more, yet still maintains a creative voice that he hopes to use not only to entertain but to inspire hope in even the darkest situations.
He writes short stories and novels in several genres, and is also a seasoned journalist for the online magazine, On Request Magazine, as well as the popular site TheGamer. Having grown up reading the books of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, they inspired him to write new and exciting stories that delved into the minds of richly developed characters. He constantly tries to write stories that have never been told before, and to paint a picture in your mind while you are reading the book, as if you could see every scene of the book as if it were a movie you were watching. His stories will get your imaginations working, and will also show that in spite of the most despairing and horrific situations, hope is never out of reach. He am always writing, and so there will never be a shortage of new stories for your reading pleasure.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Joe Vandermark shares the steps to take in order to create customer-obsessed teams to work with in the book “Team Up For Cloud Success: Building High-Performing, Customer-Obsessed Crews.”
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The Synopsis
Team Up for Cloud Success shows how lasting impact comes from building teams with heart, trust, and a relentless focus on clients. Drawing on decades of experience at Microsoft and beyond, Joe Vandermark shares real-world stories of wins and setbacks, offering practical frameworks for hiring with empathy, empowering people to lead, uniting across silos, measuring what matters, staying resilient, thriving remotely, and fostering a culture of learning. The book’s core message is clear: when teams trust each other, obsess over customers, and grow together, they don’t just deliver results—they create a legacy of success that endures
The Review
The experience and detail were very prevalent in this book. The author did a great job o balancing personal nonfiction storytelling in using his own experiences both in business and in life with the experiences that drove home his knowledge of business and technical insight as well. The book even includes technical aspects of business, such as using Azure, and the use of metrics and so much more all came to fruition in this quick-paced guide.
The thing that really drove this book forward was the emphasis the author put on hiring with heart and leading with empowerment, two concepts that are inspiring and engaging to get behind. The way the author applies these lessons to remote workers as well to build a team and the details given to working with a customer first mindset was great to see, as it promoted a more natural approach to business that created clarity and purpose within a team setting.
The Verdict
Insightful, honest, and driven, author Joe Vandermark’s “Team Up For Cloud Success” is a must-read nonfiction book on business. The knowledge, the engaging dialogue, and the personal connection the author is able to form with the reader makes this book the perfect guide for anyone looking to build a great team to drive business forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Joe Vandermark is a seasoned customer success and cloud technology expert with over three decades of experience. As a Managing Director of Cloud Solution Architecture at Microsoft, he specializes in transforming reactive support teams into proactive, customer-focused powerhouses.
In his first book, A Guide to Cloud Success, Joe outlines strategies for building high-performing teams that prevent issues before they arise. He expands on this foundation in his latest book, Team Up for Cloud Success, which focuses on practical tactics for creating resilient, client-obsessed teams that drive significant impact in the cloud.
Known for his unique blend of deep listening skills and a talent for making complex tech topics engaging, Joe is a trusted advisor to clients across various industries. He lives in Minnesota with his family and is committed to bringing empathy, authenticity, and a good dad joke to every interaction.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Rhea Thomas shares 15 short stories of magical realism in the collection “Let Birds Fly.”
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The Synopsis
Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas is a magical realism short story collection where the extraordinary sparks everyday lives toward transformation. Connected by Ripple Media, each of the fifteen characters navigates personal struggles, such as an impossible itch, a mercurial third eye, and hallucinating coffee. They discover hidden truths, purpose, or power. With whimsy and emotional depth, these stories explore identity, passion, and self-discovery through moments of enchantment that crack open ordinary reality. Let these tales remind you: sometimes, the most magical thing is becoming who you were always meant to be.
The Review
This was a unique and surreal collection of short stories. While each story could stand on its own, the underlying connective factor of the Office setting, with Ripple Media playing a role in each of these stories and the characters’ lives, was a great twist, allowing readers to channel their own workplace environments into the narratives. The vivid imagery in these stories and the strong character development the author achieves in such short stories are incredible, especially in one of my personal favorites, The Third Eye.
The satirical and magical nature of these stories, as well as the wise and almost lyrical style of writing, made this story shine brightly. The practically metaphysical nature of this collection speaks to a hidden layer of reality as we know it, with each tale striking at topics like corporate struggles for workers and the grief we feel losing a family member in a way that feels relatable and engaging.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, satirical, and engaging, author Rhea Thomas’s “Let Birds Fly” is a must-read collection of short stories. The twists and turns each story takes, the unique nature of the self-contained stories within a larger umbrella tale, and the powerful imagery that these stories conjure up will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Rhea Thomas lives in Austin, Texas where she works as a program manager in the digital media world. Her short stories have been published in multiple publications, including, most recently, The Fictional Café, Toasted Cheese and Does It Have Pockets. She spends her free time hoarding books, walking her stubborn Labrador retriever, playing games with her sons, kayaking and swimming in rivers, searching for mysteries and writing short stories that explore magical moments in the mundane. Her first book, a collection of short stories, is due out in August 2025, and she’s currently working on a literary mystery novel.
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.
Back at his desk, Beto took his first cautious sip and almost groaned out loud. It tasted fucking incredible. There was a richness to it that slid across his tongue in a velvety caress with a tinge of orange, with little spicy, almost peppery, sparks exploding in its wake. He gently ran his finger over his tongue to make sure it was, well, still normal-feeling. It was tingling, not unpleasantly. He took another sip and had the same experience, although slightly less surprising, since he knew to expect it, but no less amazing. Each subsequent sip produced the same effect. This coffee was incredible. It was a tongue-gasm. And in between these sips, something interesting was happening. Beto’s super-organized email inbox, which had lots of folders and labels, was turning into a rainbow, with different subjects taking on different colors. He looked around and saw rainbows on other people’s screens, so he shook his head and went back to work. Must be some weird new update.
From To The Fairest:
About an hour later, hearing a knock on her front door, she opened it without checking, assuming it was her food delivery, and found a goddess standing on her welcome mat. Tall, with olive skin, shiny black hair falling down her back and gray eyes, the woman wore a silver breastplate and had an owl on her shoulder.
“I am Athena, daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom and war.”
Sophia stared for a second and then burst out laughing. “Nice one. Did Lucy send you?”
“Lucy? No, I’m here because of the Golden Apple.”
Sophia put her hands on her hips. “Uh-huh, and how did you know I have it?”
Athena opened her mouth to reply, but Sophia continued, “Let me guess, you’re here to promise me wealth if I give it to you?”
Athena narrowed her eyes. “Did someone tell you I was coming? Did they beat me here?” She tried to peer past Sophia into the apartment.
“There’s no one here. Wait, who is they? Who is coming?” Sophia asked.
“Aphrodite and Hera, of course.” She turned around to look behind her as if they might be there already.
From A Fearsome Thing:
Dixon Murray started his morning with an omelet, strong coffee and murder, and he was rather particular about the order. A hearty breakfast followed by crime was his preferred start to every day, if he was completely honest with himself, although, the murder part was the new addition he was trying to make a habit.
He made the omelet himself with three eggs, slightly beaten, low-fat milk, shredded pepper jack cheese, chopped organic green onions and bell peppers, and one sliced avocado. He preferred his coffee black and strong, and he liked to sit down with both the coffee and the omelet at the wooden desk in his small home office to contemplate murder. He wasn’t picky about the method of murder; stabbing, strangling, poison or guns, anything and everything was on the table. The more complicated, the more involved stages of planning, the more satisfying it was. Dixon wanted more than anything to be a mystery novelist. But, as the adult son of an actual celebrated mystery novelist, he knew just how high the bar was and what his chances were of writing something, well, publishable.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman’s discovery of a family secret helps her navigate the science of feelings in author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass.”
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The Synopsis
What if your feelings had a voice, and it sounded a lot like you
Aria worries. A lot. About friendships, school, being “too much” or “not enough.”
But everything changes the day she finds a tiny AI companion named Zylo and a glowing compass hidden in her late grandfather’s trunk in her attic.
As Aria follows the clues he left behind, she uncovers a hidden Echo Room, and a family secret tied to her emotions. With the help of her friend Eli and the tech her grandfather built, Aria begins to understand the science of feelings, and the power of listening to them.
Aria’s Compass is a story for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, invisible, or different. It’s about curiosity, courage, and finding the tools to navigate your own inner world.
Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do… is feel.
The Review
This was such a compelling read. The author does an incredible job of building a story and a cast of characters that feel relatable and enthralling. The unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements, such as the AI companion and the connection this tech had to a person’s emotions, was a great way to highlight the story’s emotional core. The power of the author’s use of imagery was astounding, capturing the sensory aspects of anxiety and the protagonist’s struggle with creativity and wit.
The short yet powerfully introspective story is best when readers connect with its characters, especially the protagonist, Aria. The reality of anxiety and the stresses teens face these days, especially in social situations, was expertly navigated through Aria’s journey. The lessons the author poured into the narrative, primarily through narrative devices like the compass Aria discovers or anything of her late grandfather’s tech, made this a story filled with emotional depth that readers can connect with.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass” is a must-read sci-fi, coming-of-age novel. The fast-paced narrative, its twists and turns, and the emotional depth of its themes will keep readers invested in the characters and in the sense of warmth and hope the narrative inspires. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I am a global leader, neuroscience coach, speaker, and strategist, blending science, psychology, and leadership to help people unlock their highest potential. From boardrooms to brainwaves, my work focuses on future-ready Women and leadership
James Siewert has a new MM sci-fantasy romance coming out on November 9th, Oarthecan Star Saga book 3: Captains of Oartheca – and we have the cover reveal.
Welcome to Oartheca—a world of shattered beauty and stolen futures.
Where noble Barons rule with ironclad grace, and loyal drones unquestionably obey. A wounded world, rich with history and pride, struggling to heal… while war still smoulders at its edges.
Hoping to change the fate of all Oarthecans, Captain Rowland Hale II and Toar Grithrawrscion embark on a mission as herculean as it is perilous: to bring Oartheca under the aegis of the Coalition of Allied Planets, and in doing so, usher in a new era of strength, stability, and peace.
But nothing on Oartheca is so easily won. Not peace. Not unity. And certainly not the truth.
In Captains of Oartheca, James Siewert sees our heroes challenge empires, defy impossible odds, and confront the terrible cost of hope. But when victory demands everything they are—and all they have—can they pay the price?
Warnings: Explicit sex scenes between consenting adult males
About the Series
An action-oriented, sci-fi extravaganza staring heroes who battle vicious foes, overcome galactic obstacles, find true love, all while just happening to be men-who-love-men. For adults only, the Oarthecan Star Saga will thrill readers with cinematic battles, daring romances and authentic, one-of-a-kind characters that rise to face challenges through bravery, courage and loyalty.
Get the hell off me!’ I shout angrily, futilely pushing at the rhino of a man smothering me. Goddamn he’s heavy but I’m giving it everything I’ve got, trying to wriggle free. I manage to get my head out from under the behemoth and turn to try and see what the hell is going on.
‘Stay down, Baron!’ the security guard overtop of me orders, his voice hard and urgent. There’s another bright green flash, and this time I see a plasma shot streak harmlessly into the skies, followed soon by more yelling and the sounds of intense struggle.
Annoyingly, cyan telemetry floods my cybernetic ocular display—suit’s integrity is down to ninety-two percent, but no injuries, and my shields are regenerating. That shot was a point-blank, direct hit. Thank God for top-tier CAPS engineering—anything less, and I’d be dead.
‘No!’ I hear a man yell. ‘No, he killed my brother!’
What?
‘Evacuate, evacuate!’ a stronger voice booms, and the man over top of me begins to ease up slightly; I immediately scoot out from under him and try to get a decent look around.
There’s a pile of security guards clustered together—it looks like there are three of them surrounding a fourth, having driven him to his knees. One is wrenching the kneeling man’s rifle from his hands, but the man is not letting go anytime soon. It takes the butt of another security guard’s rifle being driven into the side of his head before his grip finally weakens, and the gun is wrenched free.
The rhino then steps in front of me, blocking my view of the struggling men. I scowl and try to push him out of the way, but this guy’s a stormcoat, maybe a snowcoat, and I don’t even budge him a centimetre.
‘This way, Baron. Now,’ He pushes into me, using his superior bulk to knock me back. With one hand on my shoulder, he spins me around so that I’m facing away from the scene.
‘Where is Ton?’ I demand, trying to slip this guy’s grasp but his grip on my shoulder is firm—not painful, thanks to my exosuit’s kinetic absorption—but I’m not getting free unless I put up a serious struggle, which I don’t think is the wisest of things to do right now.
‘We’ll meet at the safe-point. Hurry, Baron, straight ahead,’ the rhino orders, and I follow as he steers me deeper into the docking bay. He sets a brisk pace—nearly a jog—we’re moving fast. A tug on my shoulder turns me left toward an open corridor, where two guards stand ready, rifles raised and scanning.
‘Inside, Baron.’ I’m not used to being manhandled like this, but I know if this dude wanted to, he could pick me up like an infant. He’s at least letting me move under my own power, so I do as I’m told, and head into the corridor.
We head down a gently sloping, well-lit cement tunnel—hopefully toward the safe-point rhino-guy mentioned. He’s stopped steering me, but with only one path ahead, we keep moving. After about thirty seconds, a circular portal sealed by sliding doors appears and opens as we approach.
‘Through the doors, Baron,’ my escort says. I step into the next tunnel, and he follows, tapping commands into a wall-mounted keypad. The doors slide shut behind us, leaving me to figure out what comes next.
The security guard then turns to face me, placing his hand over his heart, his fingers splayed, and gives me a deep bow. ‘We are secured now, Baron. The safe-point is just down this hall.’
‘Thank you,’ I reply genuinely. ‘I prefer Captain Hale, however. What’s your name, officer?’
‘Second Lieutenant Crahlstran Grithrawrclan, OSS Navy, Captain Hale,’ the man answers. ‘I’ve been assigned to you as your personal security representative. Are you injured?’
I immediately shake my head. ‘No, my suit took the damage. I’m fine. Where is m’Ton? Or the High Baron Grithrawr?’
‘At or en route to the safe-point. Please, if you will follow me, Captain,’ Crahl offers, extending his hand down the new corridor. With him leading the way, I follow as we descend further, until we reach another set of closed sliding doors. Crahl enters a command on the keypad, and they open. He stands aside to allow me to enter first.
Author Bio
James and his husband live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Part-time office drone, part-time storyteller, full-time sci-fi and fantasy enthusiast (and some spooky ghost tales), James couldn’t find enough stories involving guys like him and his hubby are: big men with big hearts, full of big ideas!
Taking matters into his own hand, James seeks to share high adventure, low-angst stories where the heroes are solid blokes who take centre stage. Come join the adventure and explore bold new worlds full of authentic characters, gripping scenes, lush imagination and a touch of mushy stuff – there’s a whole galaxy waiting for you to discover!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young parapsychologist must face her fears and decide whether to help two recently deceased teens who have nine days to solve how they died in author Wendra Colleen’s “The Inn Between.”
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The Synopsis
Teenagers J.T. and Sylvia have no memory of dying, only how much they hate each other. Trapped at The Inn Between, a B&B of the afterlife, they have nine days to discover how they died. If they solve the mystery, they can choose to evolve; if they don’t, they will be reborn with their memories wiped, destined to die young again.
In the realm of the living, Dr. Jillian Flaggerty, a young, newly minted parapsychologist, suppresses her childhood ability to rescue earthbound ghosts. She wants to avoid another trip to an institution and succeed in her first job. On a ghostly visit to Earth, J.T. realizes that only Jillian can see and hear him and begs for her help. Jillian denies J.T.’s existence until she uncovers a personal connection to the teen ghosts. Then Jillian has to choose between saving souls or her sanity as time winds down for J.T. and Sylvia to reconcile their differences, face the truth of their deaths, and avoid being reborn.
If you’re looking for an escape like Cemetery Boys, Neverworld Wake, and The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts with a dash of The Good Place, don’t wait to read this high-stakes supernatural novel.
The Review
This was such a compelling and heartfelt paranormal and contemporary fantasy read. The author expertly wove a unique mythos surrounding the afterlife and death while also capturing a profound and moving story of trauma, loss, and what it means to be human. The author’s powerful imagery captured the creative storytelling and rich atmosphere not only of the story but also of places like the In Between.
The heart of this book was in the character dynamics and world-building. The afterlife and concepts of different dimensions and worlds being traversed and the idea of evolving versus being reincarnated to develop more fully was such a powerful storytelling device, and the emotional connection readers make with the protagonists of this story, from J.T.’s compounded rejection to Sylvia’s spiral and so much more, will leave a lasting impact on readers and will keep them invested in the growing narrative.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, engaging, and mesmerizing, author Wendra Colleen’s “The Inn Between” is a must-read YA contemporary and paranormal fantasy novel. The mystery and intrigue behind the protagonist’s deaths, the shocking revelations as they discover more about what happened to them, and the exploration of shared trauma and forgiveness will touch readers’ hearts and keep them invested in this growing story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on October 31st, 2025, or preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Wendra Colleen’s motto is “Embrace your weirdness.” Her dark and humorous short stories, screenplays, and novels show how unique, unusual, and unconventional individuals transform adversity into empowerment. Funky facts include that she has a PhD in experimental psychology and deployed to the Iraq War as a civilian, all of which was a breeze compared to learning how to embrace her unique, unusual, and unconventional qualities in high school.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A group of people in a world where magic has been destroyed must discover if this is truly the case in author Andrew P. Merrit’s “Ballad of the Blade”, the first book in the A Serenade of Smoke series.
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The Synopsis
Ballad of the Blade is a dark, gritty, multi-pov epic, with a dash of horror, and a dollop of gallows humor. It is the debut novel of Andrew P Meritt and the first story of many in A Serenade of Smoke.
Magic is dead.
The Order made sure of that. They gathered it up, and what they couldn’t destroy, they hid. Now, noble houses squabble over the realm, civil unrest smolders in the east, slavery and injustice run rampant, all while mankind hides behind their two-faced gods.
However, the truth is, magic isn’t dead. It’s just been sleeping, and I intend to wake it.
Under the light of a sinister moon:
A promising initiate struggles to conform in an organization that wants to exterminate the very magic running in his blood. A hired assassin fights to stay one step ahead of shadows, betrayals, and past mistakes. A musician in over his head tries desperately to trade debt from one group of killers to another. A slave of blood and sand claws his way toward freedom, one corpse at a time. An irreverent Justiseer struggles with a particularly obstinate severed head. A man wakes with no memory, only to discover a community with problems far greater than his amnesia.
Each of them is forced to question if magic truly is dead and wonder…
Should it be?
The Review
I loved the shifting perspectives of each chapter in this novel. Anytime a novel adapts a multiple POV style of storytelling, readers are given the chance to view the story from unique perspectives that change as each character sees a situation through their own lens. The dynamics between the characters were well ranged, from humorous and competitive at times in the dialogue to chilling and haunting all at once. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing really did an incredible job of bringing this story to life and the world it inhabits.
The world-building and powerful themes this story comprises will really drive the narrative forward. The unique implications of magic and its impact on the world, as well as the changes that result when it is stripped away politically and socially, are fleshed out in shocking ways in the story. The visceral, gritty detail the author puts into this narrative helps lend realism to themes of survival against all odds and of facing challenges and hardships, such as slavery and corrupt leaders.
The Verdict
Powerful, haunting, and compelling, author Andrew Meritt’s “Ballad of the Blade” is a must-read dark fantasy novel and a great start to a brand new series. The twists and turns, and the visceral tone of the story overall, capture a harrowing tale of shifting perspectives and overlapping storylines, resulting in a cohesive, massive world that readers can easily get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Andrew Meritt grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he began telling stories around the campfire. Work has taken him from Alaska to Minnesota, Ohio, and California. He is now settled in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Annika, and their two dogs, Zagreus and Alyeska. He spends his free time rock climbing, snowboarding, and woodworking. Ballad of the Blade is his debut novel.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Reporting on business during the early days of the internet was one of my first writing jobs. I loved the fast pace, and soon transitioned into TV as a producer at a popular news outlet. I wrote broadcast copy for newscasts, and thrilled at paring back long sentences into crisp one-liners.
Journalism was already under fire way back then, and I made the switch to PR, where I’ve worked in corporate communications for 20 years. While many think business is boring, it’s full of invention and progress, driven by fascinating personalities.
Then, late last year, after years of telling other people’s stories, I wanted to tell one of my own.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
When I started the Serenity Acres Series, I planned five volumes, with a strong idea about volumes three, four and five. I was stumped on how to progress from Dinked until…
I fell prey to an age-old publishing scam, backed by a slick overseas operation.
When I discovered the duplicity, I was shocked. I went through all of the typical emotional stages of fraud.
I also laughed at the irony. Dinked already contained an Amazon phishing subplot. Life imitating art.
And what domestic thriller writer wouldn’t dream of taking revenge on the very people who burned her?
The more I learned about the people behind my fraud, the more I questioned their true identities. I don’t know who the real John Eden or Jordan Delgado is, or where they live. Certain things they said resonated when I read articles about people in Southeast Asia swept up into call centres and forced labour.
Was I catfished by prisoners? I don’t know and never will. But I got my frustrations out in Shafted.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
There are no takeaways of values in Serenity Acres! Everyone’s a hot mess with a secret. I do think the residents might benefit from self-reflection.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I grew up watching staples like Colombo and Murder She Wrote, where every camera zoom or lingering shot hinted at a clue to be placed into an orderly conclusion.
That, and a heavy dose of daytime soaps, which my Mom loved while ironing! I loved the absurd twists; double-lives, dramatic affairs and anything but domestic bliss.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Daphne! I would love to know why she shops so much! She seems to have it all but is intent on throwing it away. Irwin is devoted to her and they have two great kids, but she’s focused on everything but, including her pet costume biz.
Oh, and Clara. But I might be afraid to get too into her head.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Facebook. I’ve shared character cards and reels with great engagement. I know I should use TikTok but haven’t gotten to it yet. I sort of hate the idea of another platform.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Stay true to your story; you know the way you want to tell it.
Most of my characters are quantifiable jerks, but with redeeming qualities. Much like real life: faulted, vulnerable and complex. Have a plan and move it forward with clarity. Keep details relevant and tied together at the end. No one cares what kind of cookie a character likes, unless they’re going to kill someone with it.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With over twenty years of spinning stories in corporate communications, Dinked: Serenity Acres. Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden is Crystal Quast’s debut novel. When she’s not writing, Crystal loves playing pickleball and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young Goth warrior’s quest to give his people freedom continues as his service to Rome begins in author Les Jauron’s “Wallia’s Quest Book 2: In Roman Service.”
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The Synopsis
“My name is Wallia, and I am a Goth.” With these words Wallia continues his epic forty-year quest for freedom from Rome and a permanent home for his people. The second book of the series begins after Wallia is betrayed by his nemesis, Eriulf, and is forced to flee for his life from the Goths.
Given refuge by the Romans, Wallia meets Emperor Theodosius and agrees to support the emperor’s plan—to give his people a homeland within the empire in exchange for providing soldiers to serve Rome. Wallia then joins the Scholae Palatinae, the elite cavalry squadron that protects the emperor.
In his position near the center of power, Wallia quickly learns the intricacies of court life and becomes a valued advisor to the emperor. After a short sojourn to Gaul, where he unsuccessfully attempts to save the Western Roman emperor from himself, Wallia returns to Constantinople. Eventually, as a reward for his outstanding service, Wallia is given a Roman estate and marries a Roman woman. She gives Wallia a son and the proud parents decide to raise their child as a Roman.
Then fate intervenes. Wallia is called back into Roman service to help the emperor to defeat a massive barbarian invasion and several Roman usurpers. Through endless marching, intense fighting, constant conflict, shifting loyalties, and incessant intrigues, Wallia learns some hard truths. Things are not always what they seem. Bad decisions lead to immeasurable suffering. The Goths and Romans have different interests. Unity requires leaders to subordinate their goals to those of the tribe. And, most importantly, the emperor does not see the Goths as partners in a shared enterprise—but as a weapon to be used against his enemies.
These hard truths force Wallia to make hard choices. Can he trust his people, even after being betrayed by his enemies in the tribe? Does his loyalty to his own people outweigh his oath to Rome? Or, should he remain faithful to an emperor who is willing to fight to the last Goth to maintain his power?
In the end, Wallia must decide if his future is with Rome—or the Goths.
The Review
This sequel is a fantastic narrative that pushes the envelope and continues to capture the Roman Empire’s powerful history. The level of world-building and historical context the author pours into this sequel is astounding, allowing readers to get a glimpse into the events of the first book while diving straight into the action and politics that demanded so much of Wallia’s time in this novel. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing style captured the wildness of Wallia and his group’s travels, the glory of Rome’s spectacle and setting, and the gritty intrigue of the power struggles these leaders played out amongst themselves.
The character dynamics and powerful themes played a significant role in this story. The protagonist himself undergoes substantial growth and comes to haunting realizations about those he both admires and distrusts, discovering that things are often not what they seem. The mystery and suspense of whose allegiance he will ultimately favor become a driving point in this narrative, and the struggle for faith, equality, and even love becomes a driving force in his role in the growing relationship between Rome’s ruling elite and his people, the Goths. The morality of his role in his people’s path was also deeply explored, showing the character’s remorse for having been misled into persecuting a family for no reason, or, in this book, for infiltrating rival groups of Rome and making questionable decisions to secure the mission he was given.
The Verdict
A complex, enthralling, and memorable historical fiction novel, author Les Jauron’s “Wallia’s Quest Book 2: In Roman Service” is a must-read novel. The attention to detail regarding the history and historical figures themselves, the balance of action and intrigue, and the thought-provoking depth of character development that added to the intrigue of political backstabbing and power struggles in the Roman Empire and beyond made this such a fantastic sequel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Les Jauron is a West Point graduate, a retired Army officer, and a retired college administrator. He has two graduate degrees – a Master’s in Military Arts and Sciences from the School for Advanced Military Studies, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University.
Les has always been fascinated by history, organizational leadership, politics, military affairs, and rocks. He’s always been fascinated by the ancient world and, particularly, late antiquity. The reason for this fascination is because that world did much to shape our world today. During that time, the Roman Empire dealt with many of the same issues we are experiencing in our modern world — immigration, great disparities of wealth, the interplay between Christianity and government, and a toxic political environment that causes politicians to leverage fear of “the other” to gain and maintain power.
Les and his wife, Zoela, lived in their motor home for four years after Les retired for the second time and traveled extensively through the western United States. After ending their RV odyssey, Les and Zoela settled for a few years in Clarkdale, Arizona before moving to Chico California to be closer to their three children and nine grandchildren.
During their wanderings, Les grew to love red rocks and exploring slot canyons, hoo-doos, arches and natural bridges, and ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. After settling in Arizona, he began collecting rocks of every sort — which are now strewn throughout the house and the backyard. Recently, Les and Zoela moved to Chico, California to be nearer to their three children and nine grandchildren.
But writing is Les’ greatest passion. He uses fiction as his medium to entertain, to educate, provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and inspire change.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young Goth warrior must fight to secure freedom for his people in author Les Jauron’s “Wallia’s Quest Book 1: Beyond the Donaws.”
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The Synopsis
“My name is Wallia, and I am a Goth.” With these words, Wallia begins the story of his forty-year quest for freedom from Roma and a homeland for his people. In this first book of the series, Wallia is a determined teenager eager to make his mark as the son of Athanaric, the pagan leader of the Goths.
When the Romans attack his people, Wallia goes to war with his father and distinguishes himself by his bravery. But then, in defiance of his father, Wallia becomes a Christian. Disowned by Athanaric, Wallia flees to his father’s rival, a Christian named Fritigern. As Wallia grows from a boy into a man, he quickly becomes one of Fritigern’s most trusted retainers and is at his patron’s side during the Goths’ unsuccessful war against the savage Huns.
After the Goths are driven from their homes by the Huns, Fritigern is forced to ask the Romans for sanctuary. Although Fritigern and his people are initially accepted by the Romans, the Goths are mistreated by corrupt Roman officials and forced into rebellion. In the war that follows, Wallia again distinguishes himself by his military skill, judgement, and bravery.
Although Fritigern now treats Wallia like a son, Fritigern’s actual son, Eriulf, sees Wallia as a threat and does everything he can to eliminate his rival. The story then devolves into a shifting web of alliances, intrigues, battles, and tragedies as Wallia does his best to support Fritigern but is undermined by Eriulf at every turn. Eventually, rejected by his patron, Wallia must make a series of difficult choices to maintain his honor and help his people to gain the freedom and permanent home they so desperately need.
The Review
This was such a rich and compelling historical fiction read. The author did an incredible job of offering detailed and fascinating insight into an era of Roman history that highlighted the struggles tribes and other cultures, such as the Goths, faced as they assimilated into the Roman Empire. The author’s powerful imagery transported readers to the period, and the level of detail made the narrative feel authentic and engaging at once.
The character development and rich history were the two cornerstones of this book. The protagonist was complex, sparing no details, as the first-person perspective gave the story an almost introspective, thoughtful tone. The complicated family drama of Wallia’s upbringing, as well as the complex political and military allegiances and betrayals he had to navigate as he rose through the ranks of his people and the Roman Empire, all spoke to the character’s sense of honor and duty. The historical detail that explored this time period was astounding, and the balance between history and fictional narrative was perfect in this story.
The Verdict
Visceral, compelling, and engaging, author Les Jauron’s “Wallia’s Quest Book 1: Beyond the Donaws” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns in Wallia’s personal story, the dynamic historical setting that came alive on the page with intrigue, the conflicted nature of Wallia as a character, and the harrowing ending will give readers a reason to eagerly return for the next entry in this fantastic series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Les Jauron is a West Point graduate, a retired Army officer, and a retired college administrator. He has two graduate degrees – a Master’s in Military Arts and Sciences from the School for Advanced Military Studies, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University.
Les has always been fascinated by history, organizational leadership, politics, military affairs, and rocks. He’s always been fascinated by the ancient world and, particularly, late antiquity. The reason for this fascination is because that world did much to shape our world today. During that time, the Roman Empire dealt with many of the same issues we are experiencing in our modern world — immigration, great disparities of wealth, the interplay between Christianity and government, and a toxic political environment that causes politicians to leverage fear of “the other” to gain and maintain power.
Les and his wife, Zoela, lived in their motor home for four years after Les retired for the second time and traveled extensively through the western United States. After ending their RV odyssey, Les and Zoela settled for a few years in Clarkdale, Arizona before moving to Chico California to be closer to their three children and nine grandchildren.
During their wanderings, Les grew to love red rocks and exploring slot canyons, hoo-doos, arches and natural bridges, and ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. After settling in Arizona, he began collecting rocks of every sort — which are now strewn throughout the house and the backyard. Recently, Les and Zoela moved to Chico, California to be nearer to their three children and nine grandchildren.
But writing is Les’ greatest passion. He uses fiction as his medium to entertain, to educate, provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and inspire change.
